Royal family RECAP: Prince William returns to work after late-night celebrations, King Charles concludes royal tour


All the royal news from 20 and 21 May including King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Northern Ireland and the Prince of Wales' day out following a long night


Prince William meets local residents from Nansledan's first Build-to-Rent homes during his visit to Nansledan on May 21, 2026 in the suburbs of Newquay, England© Getty Images
HELLO!
Eleanor DyeOnline Royal Correspondent
Rebecca LewisLos Angeles correspondent
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
Updated: May 21, 2026
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Online Royal Correspondent

Good morning!

Good morning everybody and welcome to HELLO!'s royal live blog!

I'm Eleanor, our acting online royal correspondent, and I'll be bringing you all the royal news this morning. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla are continuing their top-secret visit to Northern Ireland. The trip was not announced in advance for security reasons, meaning we're not getting any details in advance of their engagements. So stick with us for the news as it comes!

Elsewhere, it's a tense day for Prince William as his beloved Aston Villa are playing in the Europa League Final tonight. 

And Pippa Middleton and her husband, James Matthews, are celebrating their ninth wedding anniversary. 

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Online Royal Correspondent

Princess Charlotte's sad news

Princess Charlotte has received some sad news ahead of her annual summer plans. 

The young royal, 11, often attends the Wimbledon tennis championships with her mother, the Princess of Wales. 

But the occasion won't be the same this year - read our story to find out why

A photo of Princess Charlotte smiling© Samir Hussein./WireImage
Princess Charlotte
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Online Royal Correspondent

Duchess Sophie urges action on sight loss

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been in Geneva this week. 

She addressed the World Health Assembly for the first time, underlining the importance of addressing preventable blindness - one of her most cherished causes. 

Her Royal Highness said more than one billion people are living with preventable or treatable sight loss "not through any lack of solutions, but through a lack of sustained, prioritised action."

She said: "The value of vision is just not a moral argument but an economic argument. The case for investment is more than compelling. Every dollar invested in eye health in low- and middle-income countries generates an estimated twenty-eight dollars in economic returns.”   

"Eye health accounts for up to ten per cent of patient consultations in many low- and middle-income countries yet receives less than one per cent of national health budgets. That gap is not sustainable. And it is not justifiable."

The Duchess of Edinburgh on Tuesday
The Duchess of Edinburgh on Tuesday

 

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Online Royal Correspondent

Archie and Lilibet's adorable singing voices!

We may not have seen their faces, but we got a glimpse of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's adorable singing voices last night! 

In an adorable video shared by Meghan last night, her children sang "happy anniversary" to the tune of "happy birthday". 

At the same time, Harry brought in a lemon and elderflower cake, the same as their wedding cake. 

Watch the adorable video here

Prince Harry carries an anniversary cake © Meghan Markle
Prince Harry carries an anniversary cake
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Online Royal Correspondent

Meghan echoes Princess Diana

Meghan Markle looked just like her late mother-in-law during her visit to Geneva last week. 

The Duchess, 44, opted for a breezy spring look featuring a 'Cotton Silk Double-Face Sheath Dress in Lilac' by Akris, as identified by Royal British Fashion on Instagram.

The scoop neck dress looked like a 2026 spin on Princess Diana's beautiful lilac dress from 1996. 

See the stunning look here - plus all the details.  

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Online Royal Correspondent

Best photos of royals in New York

The royals love New York! And we've seen many glamorous photographs of them there over the years. 

From Prince William and Kate to the late Queen Elizabeth, the royal family has always put on a show when visiting the States. 

Now, you can join in on the action too as HELLO! is hosting a live taping of A Right Royal Podcast on June 9, featuring our royal editor Emily Nash. 

For details, see here

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Online Royal Correspondent

Queen Camilla arrives for day 2 in Northern Ireland

The Queen is meeting with local businesses in Hillsborough, Co Down.

Camilla also took time to meet with residents who lined the streets in the village, the home of the royal residence in Northern Ireland.

Camilla helped to pour a pint of Guinness during a visit to the Parson’s Nose restaurant.

She is wearing a navy blue feather-print dress by Fiona Clare, paired with navy blue coat by the Fold. To accessorise, she added a turquoise and diamond three-leaf clover brooch.

Queen Camilla smiles as she departs grocer ER Wilson during her visit to local businesses in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland© Getty Images
Queen Camilla smiles as she departs grocer ER Wilson during her visit to local businesses in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland
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Online Royal Correspondent

WATCH: King Charles visits the cinema

The King has arrived for his second day in Northern Ireland - and you can watch the video below. 

He was given a "VIP" movie ticket when he joined passionate film fans running a community cinema in a seaside resort.

Charles visited the town of Newcastle during his second day in Ulster, and toured the local attraction that has been staging screenings since 2009.

The cinema has become a focal point for the local community who live in the picturesque location that has Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, as a dramatic backdrop.

When the King first arrived, he was given a cinema ticket from the box office to mark his visit printed with "VIP Guest"

Recommended videoYou may also likeWATCH: King Charles picks up movie ticket as he visits cinema

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Online Royal Correspondent

Charles Spencer's honeymoon

Charles Spencer has shared a glimpse of his honeymoon with new bride Cat Jarman after revealing he has married for the fourth time. 

The Earl, 61, who is Princess Diana's younger brother, tied the knot with the archaeologist in Arizona last Friday, later calling it the "happiest day ever". 

Now, he and Cat have begun their honeymoon - and it looks amazing! So far, they've been for a horse ride through the desert, taking in the iconic red sands. 

See all the pictures and videos here

Earl Spencer and Professor Cat Jarman married privately in Arizona on Friday© Cat Spencer
The couple posed for a selfie during their private nuptials
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Online Royal Correspondent

Queen Camilla's fashion

As Queen Camilla and King Charles resume their Northern Ireland visit, let's take a look back at the fashion from day one. 

Camilla braved the rain and was seen sheltering under a large umbrella. 

But that didn't stop the royal, 78, from putting on a very fashionable appearance - and you can read all about it here

King Charles and Queen Camilla holding umbrella outside© PA Images via Getty Images
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend an event to mark the arts festival Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann coming to Belfast in August
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Online Royal Correspondent

Queen Mary wears stylish blouse

Queen Mary of Denmark has stepped out at the University of Copenhagen to award the Queen Mary scholarship. 

Wearing a baby blue blouse, her fashion really reminded us of Duchess Sophie's look in Geneva, despite being more than 1,000 kilometres apart. 

It's a design with butterfly sleeves and a round neckline tied with a subtle slit by Victoria Beckham. 

View post on Instagram
 

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Online Royal Correspondent

Queen Letizia in red!

Queen Letizia has stepped out today for the Luis Carandell Awards for Parliamentary Journalism. 

And wow, red is definitely her colour! 

The royal looked incredible as she handed out diplomas, pairing her stylish look with matching kitten heels. 

View post on Instagram
 

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Online Royal Correspondent

Handing over

That's all from me this morning, but I'm now handing over to the lovely Isabelle, who is taking things from here. 

There's still a lot more to come, as King Charles and Queen Camilla have now stepped out for the second day of their Northern Ireland visit. 

Stay with us!

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Good news for Edo!

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi is celebrating some much-needed good news. 

Princess Beatrice's husband is a big fan of Arsenal football club – so is delighted by the news that they've won the Premier League. 

Princess Beatrice  and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the Art Of Wishes Gala 2025© Getty
Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend the Art Of Wishes Gala 2025

The London-based side ended a 22-year wait to be crowned champions on Tuesday, with Edo, 42, rushing to his X/Twitter account to re-share a post from the club reading: "The Arsenal. Your Premier League Champions."

It's his first post on the platform in almost a year, since he shared the news that his wife, Beatrice, 37, had become the patron of the Chartered College of Teaching last July.

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William's message

Prince William had a very special message for his football team, Aston Villa, ahead of the Europa League final. 

Taking to the official Instagram account for the Prince and Princess of Wales, the future King penned: "Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight's Europa League Final UTV! W."

A photo of an Instagram screenshot
William wished the team luck ahead of their big game

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All hugs here

In a rare affectionate moment for His Majesty, King Charles was photographed embracing deaf actor, Agnes Carberry, who stars in the Northern Ireland film A Quiet Voice, during his visit to Newcastle Community Cinema.

 King Charles III embraces deaf actor Agnes Carberry© Getty Images
King Charles III embraces deaf actor Agnes Carberry
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On-air error!

A radio station has apologised for "any distress caused" after accidentally announcing the King had died.

Radio Caroline in Essex said in a post on social media the announcement had been made on Tuesday afternoon because of a “computer error” at its main studio.

On Wednesday afternoon, playback for Tuesday’s broadcast between 1.58pm and 5pm was unavailable on the station’s website.

Station manager Peter Moore wrote on Facebook: “Due to a computer error at our main studio, the death of a Monarch procedure, which all UK stations hold in readiness while hoping not to require, was accidentally activated on Tuesday afternoon (May 19), mistakenly announcing that HM the King had passed away.

“Radio Caroline then fell silent as would be required, which alerted us to restore programming and issue an on-air apology.

“Caroline has been pleased to broadcast Her Majesty the Queen’s, and now the King’s, Christmas message and we hope to do so for many years to come.

“We apologise to HM the King and to our listeners for any distress caused.”

The incident on Tuesday came as the King and Queen were in Northern Ireland, where they joined a performance with a folk group.

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Eugenie's glamorous outing - exclusive

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are continuing their celebrations as they prepare to welcome their third child together this summer. 

The royal, 36, who is the younger daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was seen leaving private members' club Oswald's in Mayfair this week, joined by her husband, HELLO! can reveal.

Princess Eugenie is seen leaving Oswald's private members club in Mayfair© Goff Photos
Princess Eugenie is seen leaving Oswald's private members club in Mayfair

Eugenie, who announced her pregnancy earlier this month, looked incredible as she displayed her growing bump in a skin-tight black mini dress.   

The couple appeared to have partied the evening away after attending a private dinner party for the Dubai-based company, Discovery Dunes, a private members' golf and residential community.

See all the photos here.

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An un-royal welcome!

King Charles was greeted in a rather surprising way when he stepped out for a solo visit in Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

The monarch received a splattering from a seagull, which you can see in the video above, which left its mark on the bottom of his suit jacket as he toured the town of Newcastle.

The King was about to start a meet and greet with the public that lined crash barriers along the main street when the bird's droppings hit him, and those around him. 

WATCH: Bird poos on King Charles as he arrives in Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Irene Marting, 64, from the village of Dromara near Lisburn, was waiting in the crowds with her sister Paula Leitch to see the King and witnessed the incident unfold from across the street.

After sharing a joke with Charles about the moment she said: "We were talking to the King about the seagull and he said: 'It's well it didn’t land on my head.'

“Somebody was trying to get him to put a coat on, but he didn’t, being hit by a seagull, it’s supposed to be good luck. We're so thrilled he’s come to Northern Ireland to see us, and it's really nice to see him in Newcastle."

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Meghan's whistle-stop visit!

Meghan Markle briefly touched down in the UK on her way home to LA from Geneva – marking an incredibly rare visit. 

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, has not spent prolonged time in Britain since 2022, when she attended the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Harry

However, she may have stopped briefly for occasional stopovers when passing through, with reports suggesting she travelled via Heathrow in July 2024 when visiting Nigeria. 

Meghan shared a handwritten anniversary card from the British Airways crew, revealing she'd stopped in London© Instagram / @meghan
Meghan shared a handwritten anniversary card from the British Airways crew, revealing she'd stopped in London

Celebrating her eighth wedding anniversary with Harry on Tuesday, Meghan shared a handwritten card she received from the British Airways crew on her flight back home from Switzerland, where she gave a powerful address about the dangers of social media for children. 

Alongside a Union Jack emoji, Meghan said: "Thanks to this amazing flight crew for all the love yesterday! Appreciate all your memories and kind words @british_airways."

Messages signed by the captain and crew were marked with the flight number, BA269, which goes from London Heathrow to LAX, showing that Meghan must have passed through the UK on her way back from Switzerland.

Read the full story here.

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Rejected appeal

Marius Borg Høiby's appeal to the Supreme Court to serve the remainder of his pre-trial detention at home has been rejected.

The son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit requested to serve the last part of his detention with an anklet at home in Skaugum, where his mother and his stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, 52, live.

Marius Borg Hoiby was arrested for a third time on Monday© Getty
Marius' appeal has been rejected

According to reports, his request has been flatly rejected by both the district court and the court of appeal, as both have reached the same decision that the risk of new offences being committed is too great.

Marius has been in custody since the trial began in early February. A previous request for release had already been rejected by the court because of “the seriousness and scope of the case as well as the high risk of reoffending.”

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Charlene's new role

The Monégasque Olympic Committee has appointed Princess Charlene of Monaco, President of the Monaco Rugby Federation, to the position of Vice-President.

A former Olympic swimmer who represented her country at the highest level, Princess Charlene is continuing her long-standing commitment to sport, youth, and Olympic values.

The Monégasque Olympic Committee (COM) appointed Princess Charlene of Monaco,  to the position of Vice-President.© Michael Alesi
The Monégasque Olympic Committee (COM) appointed Princess Charlene of Monaco, to the position of Vice-President.

Talking about the honour, she said: "Sport taught me discipline, respect, and pushing beyond one’s limits. Today, I wish to put that experience at the service of athletes. It is therefore with a deep sense of commitment that I take on this role. Sport carries within it a demand for excellence, but also a responsibility: to unite, inspire, and pass on values."

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Passing the reins!

I will be passing the reins to Becky in the US, who will be keeping you updated this evening! 

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Senior Evening Writer

Garden party

After hosting several garden parties at Buckingham Palace, Charles and Camilla hosted one at Hillsborough Castle during their royal tour.

The King wore a grey suit as he stepped out to greet guests, while Camilla looked lovely in her all-blue ensemble.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at Hillsborough Castle© Getty Images
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Los Angeles correspondent

Queen Camilla

I love these pictures of Queen Camilla at the Hillsborough Castle garden party.

Britain's Queen Camilla poses during a garden party at Hillsborough Castle in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland on May 20, 2026, on the second day of a three-day royal visit to Northern Ireland. © POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Camilla poses during a garden party at Hillsborough Castle

Her Majesty looked resplendant in a sapphire blue silk crepe dress and wool crepe coat, both by Fiona Clare and a Philip Tracy hat.

Queen Camilla smiles as she poses during a Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle on May 20, 2026 in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland.  (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)© Getty Images
Her Majesty wore her favorite designer, Fiona Clare

She accessorized with a diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch.

Close-up of Queen Camilla's diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch, as she attends a Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle on May 20, 2026 in Hillsborough, Northern Ireland.© Getty Images
Close-up of Queen Camilla's diamond and sapphire butterfly brooch
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Los Angeles correspondent

Good luck charm

I do enjoy looking back at the royal stories that took place in UK hours, and this headline had me chuckling over my morning coffee... 

King Charles pooed on by bird in awkward moment: 'At least it didn't land on my head!' - watch

King Charles III reacts as he watches 'Azerbaijan - Land of Fire', the 'DAKS Pony Club Mounted Games' and the 'Musical Drive of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery' during the evening display in the Castle Arena on day 2 of The Royal Windsor Horse Show 2026 in Home Park, Windsor Castle© Getty Images

 

Yes, you read that right. Charles was greeted in a rather surprising way when he stepped out for a solo visit in Northern Ireland on Wednesday. But as they say, it is supposed to bring good luck...

Read the story - and watch the video - here.

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Los Angeles correspondent

Gifts for Meghan and Harry

To mark eight years since they exchanged vows at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on 19 May 2018, Meghan and Harry enjoyed a private party at home with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - and revealed two sentimental pieces of pottery.

Read the full story here.

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Los Angeles correspondent

Goal!

Yay sports! Prince William's beloved Aston Villa is on the pitch, as we write, aiming to win the Europa League, and the Prince of Wales was VERY happy as his team scored the first goal.

Prince William celebrating with a crowd© Getty Images
Goal!


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Los Angeles correspondent

Royal emotions

Ahead of the match, William reshared a post from Aston Villa marking the final, writing: "Come on Villa! Good luck in tonight's Europa League final! UTV!" He then signed off the message with 'W'.

Prince William covering his mouth with fingers© Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
William will experience the highs and lows

There's nothing we love more than a gallery of royals giving every single emotion during a sporting event, so do check out tonight's feature as Wills experiences the highs and lows of being a sports fan.

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Los Angeles correspondent

Throwback

While we wait to see if it's joy or heartache for William tonight, the Prince of Wales was seen reacting to every missed chance and goal scored during Villa's 2025 Champions League game against Celtic FC.

And who can forget Princess Charlotte's rollercoaster of emotions at Commonwealth Games in 2022?

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